We had quite a few plans for 2021<\/a>. So, let’s start by looking at how we managed to fulfil the goals set for 2021 and then move on to 2022.<\/p>\n First, the most anticipated update – automation of CNC turning and milling<\/strong>. We added this functionality at the latter end of 2021. You can upload your STPs to get a price for machined parts in seconds.<\/p>\n The user interface got a complete makeover<\/strong>. Allan, Fractory’s designer, made the platform easier to navigate, so you can find all the necessary buttons and dropdown menus without much effort.<\/p>\n Ordering “other materials”<\/strong> is enabled right on the platform. For example, if we haven’t listed the carbon steel you are looking for, just click on “other carbon steel” and input your specific grade to the form. We will most likely still be able to deliver.<\/p>\n We also implemented manufacturability feedback<\/strong>. You can get more information on why we cannot price the part and make the necessary design changes accordingly. For example, if the bend radius is too small for the part thickness, you will know it.<\/p>\n You can now view each part in 3D<\/strong> right on the platform by clicking on its image. This comes in especially handy should there be any manufacturability warnings as the features that need attention are highlighted.<\/p>\n The platform is now also able to detect countersinking<\/strong>. Countersunk holes are widely used and not recognising them meant the need for a manual quote. Not any more.<\/p>\n Company accounts<\/strong> have been live for a few months. These allow you to consolidate users from the same company under one account to enable:<\/p>\n Mass edits<\/strong> got a remake, so you can choose parts in bulk by different parameters like thickness, manufacturing method, material, etc. to make changes at once to a common set of parts.<\/p>\n Bulk uploads for manufacturing drawings<\/strong> are now possible. Some of the manufacturing methods still need an accompanying drawing and you can upload them all at once. The connection between the part and drawing will be made automatically if the naming of the files is the same, e.g. part1.stp and part1.pdf.<\/p>\n In 2021, we opened our first office in Finland<\/strong>.<\/p>\n And another one in Estonia<\/strong>, this time in Tallinn.<\/p>\n Much of the work went towards preparation to open more markets and offices in 2022<\/strong>. More about that later.<\/p>\n By the end of 2020, we had 28 team members in total. We managed to more than double<\/strong> the number over the course of 2021, especially after our Series A round<\/a>. We now stand at 63<\/strong>.<\/p>\n A lot of focus was on manning our supply chain team to ensure a smooth service. But every team got new members – from IT and sales to marketing and HR.<\/p>\n By the way, we are still looking to fill many more positions<\/strong>. If that piques your interest, check them out here<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n Our revenue grew 3X<\/strong> compared to 2020. The key to growth was making sure that our quality of service kept on improving.<\/p>\n A testament to our success in this matter is that we had 2.5X more recurring customers<\/strong> vs 2020. Simply put – you were happy to come back. And we were just as happy to work with you, so a big thank you from the whole team<\/strong>!<\/p>\n For the first time, we hit the benchmark of 1M parts made<\/strong> in a year. Of course, the aforementioned recurring customers contributed hugely.<\/p>\n But a large portion of our production volume came from series manufacturing<\/strong>. You utilised our network of manufacturing partners to make sure that your recurring orders would always be delivered on time at set prices<\/strong> amidst the uncertainty in the market.<\/p>\n You come from all kinds of industries. Hence, we produced parts for a wide range of projects from boats to cruise ships, hen coops to skyscrapers and autonomous robots to drones<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Sifted<\/a> listed Fractory’s funding round as one of the Top Sustainability Deals in Europe in 2021<\/strong>. We are definitely striving to make the whole industry more sustainable through smarter use of resources (both physical and human), so we are honoured to get noticed for our efforts.<\/p>\n Fractory made the final selection for the Entrepreneurial Success Award<\/strong> by the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce.<\/p>\n Martin Vares, the CEO of Fractory, was recognised with the Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award<\/strong> in Estonia. You can read more about the journey from engineer to entrepreneur from here<\/a>.<\/p>\nThe Platform<\/h3>\n
![\"cnc-machning-quote-automated\"](\"https:\/\/fractory.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/cncturning.jpg\")
![\"selecting](\"https:\/\/fractory.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/other-grade-material.jpg\")
![\"company](\"https:\/\/fractory.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/compacc.png\")
\n
New Offices<\/h3>\n
Team Expansion<\/h3>\n
Revenue<\/h3>\n
Number of Parts<\/h3>\n
Prizes<\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/fractory.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/vares-kaljulaud.jpeg\")
![\"powder](\"https:\/\/fractory.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/post-processing-in-app.jpg\")